Most people pick a travel card based on the welcome bonus. Claire evaluates on three-year net value: what the card earns minus the annual fees over 36 months. The winner changes depending on how much you travel and whether you will actually use the credits.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred (9.3/10) at $95 per year is the right first travel card for most people. For frequent travelers with $3,000+ per year in travel and dining spend, the Chase Sapphire Reserve (9.1/10) produces better long-term value despite the $550 fee.
The entry point for transferable travel points. The $95 annual fee is the lowest in its tier, and the 14 transfer partners give you access to most major airline and hotel programs without locking you into one.
60,000 point welcome bonus worth $750 through Chase Travel or $1,200+ through transfer partners. 3x on dining, 5x on Chase Travel, 2x on all other travel, 1x on everything else. $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel. Points transfer to United, Southwest, Hyatt, Marriott, British Airways, and 9 other partners at 1:1. No foreign transaction fees. Annual fee is covered by the welcome bonus for the first 6+ years.
The math works at $3,000+ in annual travel and dining spend. The $300 travel credit reduces the effective fee to $250, and the 3x on dining and travel plus Priority Pass lounge access justify the remaining cost for frequent travelers.
$300 travel credit applies broadly to flights, hotels, taxis, parking, and transit. 3x on dining and travel after the credit. Points worth 1.5cpp through Chase Travel (50% more than the Preferred). Same 14 transfer partners at 1:1. Priority Pass lounge access. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years. The credit card experience is noticeably premium — metal card, dedicated customer service line.
Travel card evaluation requires calculating your actual annual spend in the bonus categories, not your theoretical maximum. Map your real dining, travel, and grocery spend from your last 12 months of statements. Calculate what each card would have earned you. Subtract the annual fee after any credits you will actually use. The card with the highest positive number wins for your specific situation.
Claire's evaluation methodology prioritizes three-year net value over welcome bonus size and verifies all rates and fees against primary issuer sources. See the full methodology for scoring weights.
Two Card Tuesday runs the real numbers on one card matchup a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.